Classic holiday ballet returns to Rochester Opera House

Thursday

Nov 29, 2012 at 3:15 AM

ROCHESTER — The Nutcracker, a holiday entertainment tradition, returns once again to the Rochester Opera House. For the seventh year, Sole City Dance presents its enchanting version of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale featuring the mysterious toymaker Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara and her beloved Nutcracker Prince, dancing snowflakes, battling mice and many other fantastic and colorful characters.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score, The Nutcracker features lavish costumes, custom hand-painted backdrops and inventive choreography. This year’s cast includes guest artists from New York City: Karina Teran as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Richard Ye as her Cavalier. Local cast members include Angela Grassie of Rochester as the Snow Queen, Quinn Houlahan of Dover as Clara, Ian Rodgers of Dover as The Nutcracker and Tom Dunnington of Dover as Herr Drosselmeyer.

More than 50 dancers from around the region are involved in Sole City Dance’s production which has been created by the combined talents of five choreographers and artistic directors as well as a large technical crew. The producers have worked to tell this classic story with beauty, charm and humor, providing a holiday experience that will delight the heart and strengthen the spirit of the community. It’s an adventure not to be missed.

The Nutcracker will appear at the Rochester Opera House on Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Opera House Box Office, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester (603-335-1992) or online at www.rochesteroperahouse.com. Tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for children and seniors.